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Kentucky Cream Pull Candy Recipe

4.7 from 68 reviews

Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a traditional homemade confection known for its rich, creamy texture and delightful satiny finish. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, cream, and corn syrup, this candy is cooked to the perfect temperature and then pulled by hand to create soft, chewy ropes that are cut into bite-sized pieces. Its buttery sweetness and smooth consistency make it a nostalgic favorite for candy lovers and a fun candy-making experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Butter (for greasing hands and surface)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Candy Station: Butter a marble slab or a large baking sheet generously to prevent sticking. Set aside extra butter to grease your hands and scissors for the upcoming pulling and cutting steps.
  2. Cook the Candy Base: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, light corn syrup, and salt. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, stop stirring, and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 260°F (127°C), signaling the correct candy stage.
  3. Cool the Mixture: Pour the hot candy mixture immediately onto the prepared, buttered marble slab or baking sheet. Allow it to cool undisturbed for about 10 to 15 minutes until it is just safe to handle but still pliable.
  4. Pull the Candy: Generously butter your hands to prevent sticking. Begin pulling the candy by repeatedly stretching and folding it. Continue this process for 10 to 15 minutes until the candy lightens in color and develops a smooth, satiny texture which indicates it has incorporated air properly.
  5. Shape & Set: Once the candy is ready, pull it into ropes approximately ½-inch thick. Using buttered scissors, cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces. Place these pieces onto wax paper and allow them to firm up at room temperature before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to prevent burning or undercooking.
  • Butter your hands and tools thoroughly to keep the sticky candy from adhering during pulling and cutting.
  • If you don’t have a marble slab, use a well-buttered large baking sheet or a silicone mat as a substitute for cooling and pulling.
  • Pulling the candy aerates it, which lightens the texture and color; do not skip or shorten this step for the best results.
  • Store the finished candy in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and chewy.

Keywords: Kentucky Cream Pull Candy, Homemade Candy, Cream Pull Candy, Traditional Candy, Sugar Candy, Candy Recipe